Thursday April 17, 2025

Community Safety Notice: Cold Water Alert & Swimming Advisory

Dear Residents,

As we transition through the spring season, we want to make you aware of a critical safety concern regarding water temperatures in our lakes and rivers. Currently, the water temperature is a frigid 3°C (37°F), which poses a serious risk to anyone entering the water. At this temperature, cold shock can occur within the first minute of immersion, causing rapid breathing, muscle failure, and even loss of consciousness. Prolonged exposure can quickly lead to hypothermia, making swimming or accidental falls into the water extremely dangerous.

Based on best practices and expert recommendations, we advise that water temperatures should reach at least 16°C (60°F) before swimming is considered safe for the general public. Until we reach these conditions, swimming remains prohibited for everyone’s safety. However, fishing will remain open with caution. Please be advised that red safety flags will be posted around the waterfront to indicate the current danger level and swimming restrictions. 

 As indicated in the information about our flag system, which can be found on our website, RED flags mean the following:

Known increased risk of using the lake. Lake access is prohibited. Please see the SSRA website for more details.

We ask all residents to exercise extreme caution near water bodies during this period and to closely supervise children and pets. Your safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor water conditions and provide updates as temperatures improve.

Please take a moment to review the links below to learn more about cold water shock and water temperature.

First 10 minutes
Cold Water Shock
https://csbc.ca/en/cold-water-awareness

Additional information can found at:
https://www.lifesaving.org/
https://csbc.ca/en/

Water Temperature Safety Guide
https://www.coldwatersafety.org/water-temperature-safety-guide

To find out the current status of the Lake at any time, please visit www.lakesummerside.ca > ‘Flags’ > Current Status.

For more information about the Flag System, please visit www.lakesummerside.ca > ‘Flags’ > Information.

Please note that the details provided here are a summary of the official Rules & Regulations, which have been adjusted to incorporate the Flag System. Please visit our website for the full details. www.lakesummerside.ca > ‘About Us’ > Rules & Regulations.

If you have any questions, please call the office at 780-497-7558 or the gatehouse at 780-756-6772.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.